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South is a place where students discover and strengthen their passions, find their career paths, and form connections that result in lifelong relationships. At South, we look at the world and see things that we have the power to change, affect and shape — together. So that’s exactly what we do, every single day.
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College is an exciting time for you and your student, and we want to help you navigate through making your decision and finding resources for your student. Our website offers connections to assist you with admissions and financial aid, directions and scheduling a visit, and housing and dining options.
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Throw up your J and join us! As a member of the National Alumni Association, you adding value to your degree and support the many programs offered by the Association. Your membership gives back to USA, sets the foundation for the future, and entitles you to great benefits.
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A South education allows students to explore and develop interests that build the foundation of lifelong career paths. Our faculty are dedicated to helping students reach their maximum potential. And with more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, South provides plenty of avenues for discovery.
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USA researchers are problem-solvers and pioneers, and our faculty often collaborate across disciplines. The outcomes are high-quality scholarship, global partnerships, new information and opportunities, the transformation of traditional disciplines, and innovations that benefit society.
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South’s student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports, demonstrating excellence on the field and in the classroom. The Jaguars are a charter member of the Sun Belt Conference, and our alumni have gone on to notable professional careers in baseball, basketball, golf and football.
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First Year Advising Center University of South Alabama 1375 Academic Services Building Mobile, AL 36688 Ph: (251) 341-4017fyac@southalabama.edu

Print Journalism Advising Guide

What is Print Journalism?

Print Journalism is the practice of investigating and reporting events, issues, and
trends to a broad audience and relaying information via text in newspapers, magazines,
and the Internet. Activities for print journalism include writing copy, editing copy,
photojournalism, managing a newspaper or magazine, curating a website, and working
as a correspondent. Contrary to popular belief, print journalism is still needed and
wanted in today’s society.

Career Opportunities in Print Journalism

A concentration in print journalism prepares students for a wide variety of job opportunities
in business, education, government, and the non-profit sector. A concentration in
print journalism can prepare students to work directly in news careers or public relations
and publishing. The concentration is also an excellent background for graduate work
in many fields including law. Career titles include:

Editor in chief

Managing editor

Newspaper, Magazine or Online Section Head or Page Editor

News Correspondent

News Reporter

Web Page Curator

Digital Content Provider

Magazine Writer

Magazine Editor

Photojournalist

Salary Trends in Print Journalism

The median compensation for print journalism graduates is $38,000 per year. Salaries
vary depending on the size of the publication and the geographic location it serves.
In New York City, the starting salary for a reporter or copy-editor could be as high
as $92,500. In smaller markets, it would be about $35,600. After five year’s experience,
the mean salary reporters and copy-editors increases to $60,000. Promotion to an
assistant editor or editor can increase salaries even more.

Unlike more vocationally-oriented majors, such as majors in business, engineering,
or the health professions, A&S majors tend to study a greater range of topics outside
of their immediate major area. This greater breadth provides an interdisciplinary
perspective that complements the more linear education in the student’s major area.

As a result, A&S majors are compatible with a wide-range of career options. A large
2012 survey of employers found that 81% of employers will consider any degree, so most employers do not require a specific degree. So A&S majors typically find
post-graduate employment at rates comparable to more vocationally-specific degrees,
Furthermore, longitudinal studies which have followed college graduates over time
have shown that Arts and Sciences graduates' rates of salary growth often exceed those of more vocationally-specific
majors. For example, a 2010 longitudinal survey of college majors after graduation found
that:

“Occupationally specific degrees are beneficial at the point of entry into the labor
market but have the lowest growth in occupational status over time. Students earning credentials focusing on general skills, in contrast, begin in jobs
with low occupational status but subsequently report the greatest growth.”

Another longitudinal study concluded that:

"Employment across educational fields is almost identical for individuals aged 35-44,
and beyond age 45, humanities graduates actually have higher rates of employment than
those in other fields. After age 45, humanities and social science majors’ salaries overtake those of counterparts
in other fields."

Finally, A&S majors have on average the highest rates of increase from starting to mid-career salary, with Math, Philosophy, International Studies, Physics, Political Science, Chemistry,
and Journalism all scoring in the top 10 among all majors in rate of salary growth
to mid-career.

High School Preparation

Excel in English. Take courses in or get involved in your school newspaper or its
yearbook. Learn everything you can about working on the Web, either by blogging or
working as a content provider. If you have the chance, volunteer for a local newspaper
during the summer months.

Print Journalism Highlights

Journalism students take courses to learn professional reporting and writing skills.
Their training involves not just print journalism, but also involves receiving training
in multimedia story telling. Journalism students have the opportunity to complete
internships at newspapers or magazines, locally or across the nation. Students also
are encouraged to work on the USA student newspaper, The Vanguard, and its magazine, Due South. Both experiences result in the students having published articles to show prospective
employers.

Study Abroad Opportunities

Students have the chance to take courses in London or other international locations
that can be used to complete their journalism program.

Studying abroad is an exciting and meaningful experience that will contribute to your
academic and personal development. Participating on a study abroad program can be
one of the most profound decisions of your college life, and can lead to many new
and interesting opportunities. It can help develop your critical thinking skills,
sense of independence, and confidence. When you depart on your study abroad program,
you will go with excitement, trepidation, and uncertainty about the world and your
place in it. When you return home, your deep connection and affection for your host
culture will be overwhelming, and will only be matched by a newfound respect and appreciation
for your home.

Study abroad is the opportunity for USA students to spend time in a different country
while earning credit towards your degree through taking classes, interning, volunteering,
and more. There are many different types of study abroad available to you at USA.
They include faculty-led programs, international exchange programs, and direct-enroll
and affiliate programs.

Students on faculty-led programs will travel as a group led by USA professors and
take classes in various locations. All courses taken on these programs are USA courses
and offer USA credits that will apply to your degree. International Exchange programs
are partnerships with specific universities around the world with which USA has a
special, reciprocal relationship. Students enroll directly at the host university,
and students from the host university attend USA. USA affiliate programs allow students
to enroll at a partner university or program through a third-party provider. GPA requirements
vary by program.

You should think of the Study Abroad Office as a one-stop shop for information related
to your study abroad experience. The Study Abroad (http://www.southalabama.edu/studyabroad/) team is excited to assist you as you navigate through the process of choosing a
program, and will help you from the advising stage until you return from your program.
You can get started by coming to meet with an advisor during Walk-In Advising hours.
During an advising session, you can gain general information about the many programs
available, how the application process works at USA and general guidance on where
to begin.

Be sure to visit the OIE Study Abroad website at http://www.southalabama.edu/studyabroad/ to begin your research. The website contains information on how to get started,
financing your program, and a comprehensive list of pre-approved study abroad programs
and partners. While researching a passport or visa programs, consider the following:
eligibility requirements, location, course offerings, and costs. You should also
meet with your faculty advisor for assistance in selecting a program based on courses
related to your degree.

Studying abroad can be one of the highlights of your university career, giving you
wonderful and challenging experiences that will allow you to grow both academically
and professionally. Where will you study abroad?

Academic Plan

Academic plans are in place to help you stay on track to graduate in four years.

To see our academic plans for Print Journalism, please click here. Degree plans provide only a suggested schedule; make sure to meet with your academic
advisor to find the actual schedule that is right for you.